i posted this in the orchid forum, but i decided to see if i could get a faster response here. this is what i posted:
hey yall,
i got a nun's orchid in the mail as part of a trade. i have never been a successful orchid owner, and now i really dont want to screw up! is there any way i can make this go through as little shock as possible? i really need help here!
help an orchid newbie!!!!!!!!!!
If it is not planted, plant it in a coarse terrestrial mixture, 3 parts fine bark, 1 part coarse peat, 1 part coarse perlite or sponge rock. They like bright light and can dry out somewhat between waterings. They like intermediate temps, but can take heat if kept in the shade, humid and well watered.
soo... how would i over winter this inside? i'm gonna put it out next spring, just dont want to take any chances now.
Do you have other plants you over winter? Keep it inside in an area that is warm and as bright as possible, be careful of direct sun, particularly at first. Spraying it will help with humidity, but I dont think Phaius are as sensitive about humidity as some of the others (I have never actually had to grow one indoors).
yes i have plumerias and things that i am propagating. my room (where they are) has a big window facing SSW. it is basically just 3 windows smushed together. could i use a humidifier and a small heater to make them happy?
If it get particularly dry the humidifier certainly wouldnt hurt. If the room is comfortable enough for you it will be OK without the heater. The Phaius is not going to be hurt if the temps are in the 60s, neither will the plumeria for that matter.
yeah, but we have been dipping to the 50's, and i have my first inflo, and i really don't want it to go dormant and lose the inflo. the others for the most part are rootind/have just now rooted. i have the humidifier going now....
Hey Diehrdsouthrnr; Don't use tap water, unless you have a well.Rain water or distilled water.I also feed with a granular plant food that is designed for orchids and tillandsias.Mixed with water and sprayed.
ok thanks..... good thing it rained yesterday!
what would happen if you did water with tap....j/w
Tap water has chlorine and other chemicals in it to kill algae and bacteria.Some tropical plants,especially epiphytes (plants that take moisture directly through the pores in their leaves )includes orchids.While it may not kill the plant, you will get unsightly looking leaves.
oh ok.... i will remember to never do that... thanks
how about a crucifix orchid? anyone know bout those?
Do you mean Epidendrum radicans?
Have you checked out the Orchid forum?
I have a Nun's orchid, 3 years now. It gets nothing but tap water. No problems. Blooms each year, late winter/early spring. GREAT plant!
yeah but not lately
tommyr2006, maybe your tap water is well water
Nope, not well water.
hmmm well, i'd try it on them if i had two incase one died, but i don't, so i'm gonna stay safe. thanks for the input
I was told by the man at the orchid house I just went to that orchids need to stay outside in my zone of 9a even in the 50 degree weather. he told me to only bring them in if I know that we are going to have several days of weather in the 40's.
Now I am confused.
u talkin bout the crucifix orchid?
I don't know enough to even know that they get treated differently. I told the man I only have 2 Vandas and 2 phals